Greetings!

Thank you for another great week! Thank you for your patience and support on Tuesday when we experienced severe weather in the area. Our preparation for times like this is based on our drills and culture of safety. As a parent, I encourage you to talk with your child about weather preparedness for both at home and at school. We are stronger together!

Below you will find helpful information for our upcoming week:

• SEMESTER 1 REPORT CARDS: Semester 1 Report Cards were distributed to all students today. Report cards are also accessible via the Parent and Student Portal in Infinite Campus. If you have questions pertaining your child's grades or academic progress, please contact your child's teacher via email.
  
  Haven't registered for your account yet? REGISTER TODAY! Everything you need as a parent is contained in the parent portal. You can monitor your student's grades throughout the school year, review your child's schedule, download progress reports and report cards, update your contact information, register other students within your household, withdrawal your student and so much more! If you already have an account, you do not need to register again. New users should contact our Data Clerk, Ms. Allen at allenk3@fultonschools.org
  
  
• WINTER WEATHER: The weather has changed, and boy is it cold outside! Please ensure that child comes to school with a jacket every day. Parents are encouraged to write their child's first and name in his/her jacket. *If your child is in need of a winter coat, please contact our parent liaison, Ms. Render.
  
  
• UPCOMING STUDENT HOLIDAYS: Mark your calendars! All FCS offices and school will be closed on January 15th for MLK Holiday. Students are also out of school on January 16th as this is a professional development for all staff members, and students DO NOT report to school on this day.
  
  
• SEMESTER 1 AWARDS DAY: Please join us for our first semester awards day programs as we celebrate the hard work of our students. We will honor students for academic achievements, exceptional character, growth, attendance, and more.
  

  Wednesday, January 24, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – Kindergarten at 8:15 am
  Wednesday, January 24, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – First Grade at 9:15 am
  

  Thursday, January 25, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – Second Grade at 8:15 am
  Thursday, January 25, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – Third Grade at 9:15 am
  

  Friday, January 26, 2024: Semester 1 Awards- Fourth Grade at 8:15 am
  Friday, January 26, 2024: Semester 1 Awards- Fifth Grade at 9:15 am
  
  

• FCS HARDSHIP TRANSFER WINDOW: Applications for a hardship transfer will open on January 1st and remain open through February 29th. Applications are reviewed annually by the Student Assignment Office. Through this process, parents can seek a transfer for medical reasons, curriculum differences, child care situations or if they are an employee of the school system. Parents may also request the renewal of an existing hardship transfer. The Hardship Transfer Policy as well as the Hardship Transfer Guidelines (see below) will be used to determine student eligibility. HARDHSHIP TRANSFER GUIDELINES
  
  

• ATTENDANCE MATTERS: In order for students to learn and achieve to their fullest potential, it is critical that they attend school and are engaged in the learning process. Student absences & tardies, whether excused or unexcused, impact a child's ability to succeed in school. We want all students to be present at school daily and on time. However, we understand that absences will arise. In the event that your child is absent, parents should provide written documentation of the absence to the school. All absences should be submitted to our front office. Additional information around FCS attendance policy and approved absences excuses is accessible via the provided link: https://www.fultonschools.org/Page/23956
  
  
• STUDENT CONDUCT: Student safety is our top priority in FCS and at Cliftondale Elementary School. We take maintaining a safe and secure learning environment extremely serious for all Cliftondale students and staff members. As it's the beginning of the semester, I ask that you speak with your student about his/her behavior while at school or on the school bus. Students exhibiting behavior that is in violation of FCS Code of Conduct will receive consequences as displayed within FCS Code of Conduct. This does include transportation. All students are permitted to ride FCS transportation. However, those with unsafe behavior will be removed from all FCS transportation for 3-5 days minimum and parents will be required to transport their student to and from school. Absences will not be excused for students whose parent/guardian is unable to provide transportation.
  
  In addition, I STRONGLY encourage all parents, regardless of the grade level, to review your child's cellphone, tablet, or other personal device. Most of the incidences of misconduct that we see in the school or on the bus stems from some type of communication (text message, social media posting, TikTok, group chat/group calls, etc.) that has taken place while at home and rolls into the school. See Something, Say Something! If your child reports something to you or you notice any inappropriate communication on your child's phone, please contact us at the school. *Please refrain from trying to contact any involved students.
  
  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out at any time cantya@fultonschools.org.

Mrs. Canty

Each member of the Fulton County Board of Education sponsors a monthly meeting open to all members of the community. The sessions provide an opportunity for direct contact with community members and give board members a chance to listen to local issues and concerns. Join us at Westlake High School for Mrs. Warrens' January Community Meeting at 6:00 pm.

Shout to our STEAM team for getting us geared up for PBL! Today, all students were engaged in a fun learning experience through an in-house field trip from Science for Everyone.

Our PTA is excited to present MASQUERADE - A Family Gala! Tickets are on sale NOW. Parents may purchase tickets ONLINE ONLY by visiting Member Hub or CLICKING HERE. Tickets will be available now through January 26th OR tickets sell out, whichever comes first. Guests will not be able to pay on event day or at the door. Unpaid guests will not be admitted. This event is opened to all community members and families! Additional details pertaining the dance maybe found on the attached flyer.

Have questions or suggestions for PTA? Please email our Executive Board at any time.
📧Cesmustangspta@gmail.com

THANK YOU SO MUCH to Vision to Learn for providing free eye exams to all 650+ Cliftondale students! In addition, 120 students received FREE GLASSES!!!! If you child received glasses, please make sure to review the parent brochure that was provided to your student today. If you have questions, concerns, or your child breaks his/her glasses, please contact a representative from Vision to Learn: +1 (800) 410-5273

Vision To Learn - Vision To Learn provides eye exams and eyeglasses at no cost to students in low-income communities.

Applications for parents who wish to apply for a 2024-25 hardship transfer or to renew a current hardship to another Fulton County elementary, middle, or high school are available beginning January 1, 2024.

Parents will use an online form, available through the school system’s website, to enter and submit their information. Hard copy applications are not required, except for medical transfers which require a medical provider’s signature and documentation.

The deadline for submitting a transfer application is Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, by 4:30 p.m., with no exceptions or extensions granted. All requests must be received or postmarked by this date and time. In addition, school system employees who have children receiving an employee hardship transfer must renew their request.

The February 29 deadline applies to students and parents seeking a hardship transfer for medical reasons, curriculum differences, and childcare situations or for employees’ children. Schools participating in open enrollment, a separate transfer process that allows students to move to a school with available space, will be announced in early May.

Parents with questions or who need more information about hardship transfers can contact the Fulton County Schools’ Student Assignment Office at 470-254-5550 or visit the FCS Hardship Transfer webpage.

January 12, 2024: 1st Semester Report Card (viewable in Parent Portal)

January 15, 2024: M.L. King, Jr. Holiday- Schools Closed

January 16, 2024: Professional Development/ No School for Students

January 24, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – KK-1st Grades

January 25, 2024: Semester 1 Awards – 2nd-3rd Grades

January 26, 2024: Semester 1 Awards- 3rd-5th Grades

February 2, 2024: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am

February 7, 2024: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM

February 9, 2024: PTA Presents a Family Gala

February 14, 2024: 2nd Semester 4 ½ Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)

February 14, 2024: Friendship Party

February 19, 2024: Presidents’ Day-School Closed

February 20, 2024: Professional Development Day-No School for Students

February 27, 2023: STEAM Night

March 1, 2024: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am

March 6, 2024: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM

March 6, 2024: Assessment Workshop – 8:30 am and 5:30 pm

March 11, 2024: Teacher Workday-No School for Students

March 12, 2024: Professional Development Day-No School for Students

March 14, 2024: Spring Individual & Class Picture Day

March 15, 2024: 2nd Semester 9- Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)

April 1-5, 2024: Spring Break – Schools Closed

April 11-19, 2024: Boosterthon- Fundraiser

April 12, 2024: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am

April 24, 2024: 2nd Semester 13 ½ - Week Progress Report (viewable in Parent Portal)

April 29-May 17, 2024: Georgia Milestones – End of Grade

April 30, 2024: PK Transition Meeting

May 1, 2024: Moms on the Move 8:00 AM-9:30 AM/Dads on Duty 6:55 AM- 8:00AM

May 3, 2024: Mustang of the Month – 8:30 am

May 6-10, 2024: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 15, 2024: PK Awards Day – Time TBA

May 15, 2024: Kindergarten Awards Day – Time TBA

May 16, 2024: First Grade Awards Day -Time TBA

May 16, 2024: Second Grade Awards Day -Time TBA

May 17, 2024: Third Grade Awards Day -Time TBA

May 17, 2024: Fourth Grade Awards Day -Time TBA

May 23, 2024: Last Day of School

May 24, 2024: Post Planning - No School for Students

June 1, 2024: 2nd Semester Report Card (viewable in Parent Portal)

What better time than now to join our PTA? Use the QR Code or link provided to access our platform for joining. Remember to share our membership information to your family and friends as they can join also.

Have questions or suggestions for PTA? Please email our Executive Board at any time.

📧Cesmustangspta@gmail.com

Please review Cliftondale's 2023-2024 School-Family Compact, Parent-Family Engagement Plan as well as Fulton County School's Parent-Family Engagement Plan by CLICKING HERE. Parents, school staff, and students partnered together to jointly develop the School-Family Compact and school Parent and Family Engagement Plan (PFEP). This was done through input collected from feedback forms, surveys, and input meetings held annually in the spring. The School-Compact explains how families and teachers will work together to make sure all students reach grade-level standards at Cliftondale Elementary School.

All students above 10 years of age and their parents/guardians are asked to digitally sign the School-Family Compact in the Infinite Campus Parent/Student Portal. Your digital signature acknowledges you have received, read, and agree to the School-Family Compact. Parents may CLICK HERE to access the parent and student portal in Infinite Campus. If you have questions about Title I or need assisting with acknowledging receipt of the Title I documents or would like a printed copy of any of the documents, please contact our Parent Liaison, Ms. Hope Render at 470-254-3040 or by email at renderhh@fultonschools.org

Thank you to the many parents that attended our Annual Title I Meeting and Curriculum Night on September 26, 2023. During our Title I Meeting, we discussed the following items:

• Understand what makes our school a Title I school including requirements, funding, and associated programs;
• Understand school provided resources such as curriculum, assessment, parent resources, and staff contact information;
• Understand Family Engagement at our school;

Unable to attend? No problem! The full presentation is linked for you here. After reviewing the presentation, we welcome your feedback through the EVALUATION LINK. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

This past week, we hosted our Title I Day of Literacy. Many thanks to the families that attended and our Literacy Coaches for making this a hands-on , enjoyable experience for our students and parents! . Through this sessions, parents learned a lot about literacy and how to support their students with literacy development through fun and engaging learning activities.

Unable to attend? No problem! The full presentation is linked for you here. After reviewing the presentation, we welcome your feedback through the EVALUATION LINK. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Many thanks to the families took part in our Technology Workshop. Unable to attend? No problem! The full presentation is linked for you here. After reviewing the presentation, we welcome your feedback through the EVALUATION LINK. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

In addition to your child's teacher, our curriculum team is here to support you! If you have questions pertaining the curriculum, understanding a specific skill/standard, need additional strategies to support your child at home, please feel free to reach out to one of our curriculum team experts. They are here for you and happy to support you and your Mustang! Each month, we will share resources with parents so that you can support your child at home. Please connect with each of us if you have any questions.

Curriculum Support Teacher: Yazmin Hicks- hicksz@fultonschools.org
-Curriculum Administrator for all curriculum/content areas

Instructional Support Teacher: Dr. Shabo- shabog@fultonschools.org
-Special Needs Administrator

K-2 Literacy Coach: Mrs. Kalista- kalista@fultonschools.org

3rd-5th Grade Literacy Coach: Ms. Johnson- johnsonkr1@fultonschools.org

Math Coach: Mrs. Everett - everettba@fultonschools.org

Parents, family members and friends are not allowed to bring in cakes, balloon bouquets, flowers, goodie bags, gifts, pizza, or any other type of treat to celebrate a student birthday. Teachers are not allowed to celebrate birthdays in the class with a party or a snack either. Rather, parents may purchase a Smart Celebrations Package from the cafeteria. This can be done to student birthdays and/or any other classroom celebrations. Smart Celebration packets should be purchased in the cafeteria at least (2) days in advance. Please contact our Nutrition Manager, Ms. Curry at curryd1@fultonschools.org

Are you registered for your Campus Parent Portal Account? If not, REGISTER TODAY! Everything you need as a parent is contained in the parent portal. You can monitor your student's grades throughout the school year, review your child's schedule, download progress reports and report cards, update your contact information, register other students within your household, withdrawal your student and so much more! If you already have an account, you do not need to register again. New users should click the link provided to register: Parent Portal Registration

*Please note, if you DO NOT have an email address on file, you will be unable to register via the provided link. Please call the school and ask for our Data Clerk, Ms. Allen.

See It. Hear It. And Report It Every Time

If you SEE or HEAR anything about school threats, weapons, violence, bullying, drugs, self-harm, or have other school safety suspicions or concerns, REPORT it EVERY time anonymously using the SHARE TIP LINE.

Subscribe to the receive email updates. Provide us with a mobile number and get text messages on your phone. Fill out the form below and be sure to select any school(s) you wish to follow! You can unfollow or unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe Now To Receive FCS District Emails

Have questions or concerns? Please review our "Contact List" to see who at Cliftondale can provide immediate help to you.

The consideration for gifted services may be reported or automatic as defined by the GaDOE Resource Manual for Gifted Education Services. The Fulton County School System screens all students for eligibility for gifted services twice a year and uses a systematic approach to identify highly capable students who may qualify for gifted services. The gifted teacher routinely reviews available data to refer students for further assessment. Students meeting either the automatic screening OR the classroom screening criteria AND who have supporting data gathered from test history, products, and/or advanced content levels are referred for additional testing to determine gifted eligibility.

TAG TESTING ELEMENTARY PARENT Q&A

TALENTED AND GIFTED (TAG) DISTRICT PAGE

BUS RIDERS/BUS STOP INFORMATION - CLICK HERE to verify your child's assigned bus stop info. All stop times are approximate times. If you have questions pertaining your child’s assigned stop or assigned bus, please contact FCS Transportation Department at 470-254-6060.

"Here Comes The Bus App" is a free, easy-to-use website and app that enables you to see the location of your child’s school bus on a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. This way, you know when the bus is near your stop, so you can send your child out at just the right time. No more worrying about whether your child has missed the bus! If you have questions or concerns regarding your child's assigned bus or bus stop, please contact FCS Transportation Department at 470-254-6060 OR contact our supervisor:

Cheowana Henderson, Supervisor
Hendersonc1@fultonschools.org

Charisse Weigner, Special Needs Supervisor
weignerc@fultonschools.org

• The app will request a school code, which is 87428
• How do you access your student's student ID number? Parents may access their child's student ID number from the parent portal in Infinite Campus.
  
• If you add your child and the bus number or bus stop is incorrect, please contact our supervisor, Ms. Henderson
• If you add your child and their is no bus route displayed, please contact our supervisor, Ms. Henderson.

Fulton County Schools (FCS) remains committed to communicating updates and/or changes to COVID-related protocols within the district. Maintaining face-to-face instruction is a top priority for our district. Fulton County Schools will conduct case investigations and contact tracing for positive cases only. Parents should report only positive cases to the Parent portal. Do not submit a report if you are waiting on a pending test result or for an exposure/direct contact. Fulton County Board of Health Case Investigators, FCS School Nurses and FCS Case Investigators will response to student and staff cases. Please be safe, and as always: Do not come send your child to school sick. If your child tests positive, please keep he/she home and isolate (follow the guidance provided by the Case Investigators and your provider). Please submit the positive test results via the PARENT PORTAL

Principal: Mrs. Canty- cantya@fultonschools.org

Assistant Principal: Mrs. Long- longt@fultonschools.org

Curriculum Support Teacher: Yazmin Hicks- hicksz@fultonschools.org

School Counselor: Dr. Ford- fordb@fultonschools.org

Instructional Support Teacher: Dr. Shabo- shabog@fultonschools.org

K-2 Literacy Coach: Mrs. Kalista- kalista@fultonschools.org
3rd-5th Grade Literacy Coach: Ms. Johnson- johnsonkr1@fultonschools.org

Math Coach: Mrs. Everett - everettba@fultonschools.org

Parent Liaison: Ms. Render- renderhh@fultonschools.org

School Social Worker: Dr. Carver- carvera@fultonschools.org